Grenadiers are large, strong men, armed with muskets and a fearsome reputation.

All grenadiers regard themselves as elite, and occupy the place of honour at the right of the line on parade. They have good reason: only the largest, bravest men can become grenadiers; this size and strength makes them an impressive sight in a charge, and gives them an edge in melee. They are vulnerable when charged by heavy cavalry and when attacked by skirmishers. Those points aside, grenadiers are a proud group and they are dedicated soldiers who will follow orders to the letter.

Historically, the Prussian army went through a radical reorganisation following Napoleon’s downfall in 1814. In October of that year the six existing grenadier battalions became two regiments and, as a mark of respect, the King of Prussia named these regiments after his allies, Czar Alexander of Russia and Emperor Francis of Austria. The Kaiser Alexander Grenadier Regiment was formed of the 1st and 2nd East Prussian battalions and the Life; the Kaiser Franz regiment was formed of men from the Pomeranian, West Prussian and Silesian battalions.